UPDATE December 1, 2024:

For my birthday please consider donating to this fundraiser for Juan Marcos and Ricardo. They need help with their December bills while they wait for their work permits to arrive in the mail this month. I hope to raise an additional $2000 as part of my birthday celebration. Any donation helps. I appreciate your support.

--Nathan Riding

UPDATE November 18, 2024:

Great news! U.S. Immigration informed Juan and Ricardo their work permits will arrive no later than December 22, 2024. Your donations helped ensure they paid their rent, utility, phone, and other bills and helped them buy food during this difficult time.

Please consider one final donation during the holiday season to help ensure they remain safe and housed during this final month of waiting for their work permits to arrive.

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Juan and Ricardo are young Cuban immigrants living in North Kansas City. They came to America a year ago seeking a safer life. Juan was kicked out of his home at 17 years old because he is gay. Ricardo was raised by his grandparents as his own parents were too young when he was born to take care of him. In addition, food shortages, inadequate housing, and few job opportunities finally forced them to flee to the US in 2023. They are trying their best through legal aid to remain legally in this country. They do not wish to break our laws.

They are in desperate need of help now due expired work permits. They received bad advice from a lawyer and as a result didn't submit their renewal application in sufficient time. They can legally work but most work places demand a valid work permit regardless of their paperwork from the US government saying they can work during this gap period. They cannot pay rent, their utilities, car payment, car insurance, or even buy food. They are in serious risk of ending up on the streets if they cannot make their rent payment on October 1.

They are both in their mid-twenties with no one to help them here in Kansas City. Previously, Juan has sent money to his mother from his meager salary to help treat the dengue fever she has but without his support she cannot afford the medicine, even though medicine is technically "FREE" in Cuba. He is very worried about her.

I met Juan and Ricardo a few weeks ago. I have been helping them with groceries, their car payment, car repairs, and am helping them get legal support through Western Missouri Legal Aid. I am also working on obtaining utility subsidies, and other types of aid. But I cannot do it all alone. Their monthly bills are beyond my ability to cover. And I don't want them to resort to other means of earning money that might jeopardize their safety and work status.

I have set a goal of raising $7500 in order to cover their expenses until the end of the year. I believe by that time the work permit situation will be settled and they will be back to work. Anything you can do to help is greatly appreciated. All the funds will be used to cover their living expenses until they get back to work.

They are the kindest of young men always helping others -- including their other immigrant friends. Now they need help. Will you pitch in a little and make a difference for them? I only ask because I sincerely believe they are deserving and doing everything they can on their own to get through this difficult time.

Thanks and Blessings,

Nathan Riding

P.S. I have not posted their photo on this campaign page due to safety and privacy concerns.